Sexy games can bring the spice back to any relationship. Maybe you have an excellent relationship, but things have never quite sizzled in the bedroom. On the other hand, perhaps you once had a terrific sex life, but the hassles of day-to-day existence have made sex less of a priority. Whatever the reasons behind them, sexual difficulties are quite common but can cause undue friction in even the best relationship...

Sexy games are an easy, quick fix for many sexual relationships that have become derailed.

But First, A Word of Caution

If your relationship is experiencing real problems, then a surface level fix such as introducing sexy games will not help in the end. Be sure that you have any personal or relationship issues examined by a qualified therapist.

If your relationship is healthy overall but simply lacks a bit of spice, sexy games can turn things around nicely.

Let the Games Begin

Sexy games for couples run the gamut from simple to complex. You can purchase elaborate games with a variety of props from any sex shop or novelty store. Many couples find that these pre-purchased games help to set the stage, easing any giggling or nervousness by the orderly nature of a store-bought game.

However, some couples prefer to make up their own sexy games.

You might want to begin with structured games at first, then create your own sexy games as you and your partner gain confidence.

Truth or dare. Turn the game of truth or dare, often played at teenage slumber parties, into a fun sexy game for couples. Each of you writes down at least five dares.

The dares may be outrageous like your husband must put on one of your sexy bras or more sensual like “I dare you to allow me to (add a sensual activity here) or “I dare you to (have him perform a sexual act on you).

Try to be imaginative with the dares. Toss the pieces of paper into a hat and begin the game by one person asking the other, “Truth or dare?”

If your partner responds with “truth”, ask a question that you have been burning to know the answer to. Make it provocative and fun. Consider dressing in suggestive lingerie with a glass of wine for each of you to replenish your spirits as the game proceeds.

"Guess what this is?" This game requires some thinking and planning. Start by thinking tactile. What could be used on your lover’s skin to create goose bumps?

Gather items such as feathers, ice, a piece of fur, light string or rope, a length of silk, wool, and a knobby fabric. Other items to use might include a soft ball, a back scratcher, or a damp sponge.

Let your mind go wickedly wild. Assemble all the textures and place in a basket.

Blindfold your partner with a silk tie.

Begin by massaging your partner with an item from the basket. Without talking or making a sound, massage his body and let him guess what is touching his skin.

Painting for pleasure.The couple that paints together stays together -- or at the very least enjoys an artistic afternoon with body paints.

The Kama Sutra company sells a boxed set of dark and milk chocolate, along with white chocolate body paints. An edible dusting powder paired with sable brushes makes for a delicious sexy game of painting each other’s body and then licking off the decadent chocolate.

Or make your own body paints at home with syrups for sundaes such as butterscotch, strawberry, caramel, and chocolate.

Picnic in bed -- blindfolded. A twist to the tactile game is the sensual tasting game. Blind fold your partner and feed him various foods, both warm and cold.

Start with a bite of warm croissant dripping with butter and then a quick taste of freezing cold ice cream. Squirt whipped cream on your fingertips and lightly touch his lips with each creamy finger. Peel a grape, let him nibble on a strawberry, and place just a drop of wine on his lower lip.

Change it up by offering him hot tomato soup, but not so hot that it might burn his mouth. Peel a banana and use it suggestively over his lips.

Who knew that food could be so erotically wonderful?Role play.For a long time, adventurous couples have found that role-playing is an exciting way to spice up their sex lives. Perhaps you have always been attracted to men in uniform. Have your partner dress as a police officer or soldier.

You can dress up as well, as a nurse or any other character you can imagine. You and your partner should perform “in character” when wearing the outfits, leading to all sorts of sexy scenarios.

Flip a coin and you be the sultry school marm while your partner is the naughty boy. Play a temptress, cheerleader, or French maid. He is the marauding pirate and you are the wicked wench.

Create your own costumes or head for a costume store to complete the look. The possibilities are all there just waiting to be tried on and turned into sexy roles of erotic fun.

Strip poker. Try strip poker! You and your partner can start with an equal number of clothing items, and each remove one item whenever you lose a hand. Once you are naked or almost naked, move on to performing sexual acts whenever you lose a hand.

Sexy Chutes and Ladders? You could try purchasing a sexy board game, or make one of your own.

These games generally follow simple board game rules, but require acts ranging from the sensual to the truly wild at various points.

Sexy card games work along the same lines, requiring partners to take turns pleasuring each other in a variety of ways.

If you want to build your own, each card should describe a sexual act, some mild and some exotic. Throw the cards into a bowl or a hat and take turns drawing a card at random.

Whoever draws the card must decide whether to perform the act on the other person, or have the act performed on him.

Playfulness out on the town.As your confidence increases, you and your partner could move on to sexy games that are hotter.

Perhaps you could take your role-playing experiments into a public place, posing as characters that meet in a bar and pick each other up. Some couples visit strip clubs or porn theaters together.

BDSM. Some couples push the envelope, acting out fantasies that involve elements of S & M or bondage.

A more extreme game of BDSM involves being sex kittens for the weekend. Send the children off with grandma for the weekend so you and your partner will have the house to yourselves. One night he plays the dominant role and you the sexy object of his desires and the next night the roles are reversed.

During this time, the dominant partner’s desires must be fulfilled by the submissive. Lay down some rules and guidelines before playing this game that include what the two of you will and will not do. Be respectful, but have fun.

The key to developing sexy games for couples is trust. You and your partner must trust each other fully. You should also share a common interest in sexual exploration.

Setting Ground RulesSet some ground rules before playing sexy games. Both partners must be able to end the game at any time, for any reason.

Setting up "safe words." Some couples find that particularly during role-playing games, a “safe word” helps their confidence level. A safe word is a word that is not likely to come up during your game session.

Either partner can use the safe word at any time as a sign to end the game immediately. It is extremely important that both partners respect each other enough to respect the use of the safe word and end the game without question.

Respect each other's vulnerability. Never laugh at your partner when playing sexy games. Some of the situations may be silly and certainly giggling can be a healthy part of a good sex life. But laughing at your partner may cause him to clam up and be unwilling to participate in future sexy games.

People tend to be particularly vulnerable during sexual situations, so always treat your partner with tenderness and respect.

How To Initiate Sexy GamesIf you have difficulty broaching the idea of sexy games with your partner, ease into the conversation using any of a variety of tactics. Broach the subject of a magazine article you may have read.

Bring up a sexy game that you may have heard of and ask your partner what he thinks of such a game. Or simply approach the topic directly, buying a sexy game as a present to your partner or suggesting a round of strip poker the next time the two of you are alone.

Another way to ease your partner into the idea of sexy games is with a simple but meaningful present.

Instead of the usual tie or sweater for the next holiday, give him a card containing 52 “love coupons.” Each coupon can be redeemed for whatever sexy act is depicted on the card. Tell him that he is entitled to redeem one coupon a week for the next year.

Other Things To Keep in MindRemember that sexy games are supposed to be fun.

Do not attack your partner or attempt to force him to do anything that makes him feel comfortable. Never bring up sexy games as a “fix” for your relationship. Make the games feel like a fun addition to a great relationship rather than a necessary attempt at fixing a broken relationship.

Nurture your partner’s attempts during sexy games. It is possible that no matter how wonderful the police uniform, for example, your partner will simply be unable to play the part convincingly. Resist the urge to direct the scene and simply revel in the exploration of your deepest fantasies.

Enjoy yourself and enjoy your partner.

As you and your partner gain confidence, you can move into progressively more wild sexy games. Sexy games should not be the sole focus of your sex life, but can bring new life into one that has begun to stagnate.

How Sexually Adventurous Are You? Would you, could you in a park? How 'bout in a car? Some women prefer their sex straightforward. Others aren't satisfied unless they're swinging from the ceiling. How sexually adventurous are you? Take our sex quiz to find out.